Probably The Best Ice Cream in Toronto

Served with more than just a cherry on top.

Summer is finally here and one of the best things about the heat is cooling down with some delicious ice cream! While a good cone may bring back fond memories of childhood and chasing down the distant chime of the ice cream truck on a summer evening; Toronto has plenty of specialty ice cream parlours to choose from. These 10 spots around the city offer more than just a chocolate dip cone though; many priding themselves on endless flavour options, quality ingredients and a truly sweet experience for all that come through their doors. So go ahead, indulge and enjoy some of the best scoops this city has to offer.

1. Momofuku Milk Bar

This Bakery-inspired dessert branch from NYC came to Toronto in 2012 and is located on the second floor of the Momofuku complex at the Shangri La Toronto. The dessert menu focuses on putting a playful and approachable spin on familiar home-style desserts and savory snacks. It's only fitting that they're known throughout the city for their Cereal Milk; Soft serve made with milk, cornflakes, brown sugar and a pinch of salt. it’s like the milk at the bottom of a bowl of cornflakes!

2. Dutch Dreams

This family run ice-cream parlour has been in the city since the 80's. With recipes that have been passed down for generations and made in house, it's no wonder why the line-up that usually runs out the door. Dutch Dreams has become a spot known for their over-the-top ice cream cones, unique flavours, a long list of toppings and eclectic decor.

3. Bang Bang Ice Cream

Your choice of delicious ice cream flavour slathered between two gourmet cookies, what could be better? This bakery on Ossington produces all of it's goodies in-house and there are a lot to choose from. Try one of the ice cream cookie combinations ($7) or take one of their specialty flavours homes in a tub for ($8).

4. Greg's Ice Cream

This ice cream parlour at Bloor and Spadina has been around for over three decades. Greg Mahon was the first to make premium, all-natural ice cream in Toronto and now his shop has become one of the iconic in the city; with a second spot opened in the distillery district in 2012. Offering simple scoops in a dish or cone Greg's is known for his flavours, like the ever-popular roasted marshmallow or grape nut.

5. Ed's Real Scoop

House made ice cream serving up some of the most delicious scoops; Ed's can be found in the beaches, roncesvales and leslieville. This rich, dense ice cream is made in hundreds of flavours and can also served as a sundae, milkshake, float or Affogato (a scoop of our creamy ice cream served with a shot of hot espresso poured over the top).

6. The Big Chill

This old-fashioned, retro ice-cream parlour with a chalkboard menu has been in the city for over a decade. The banana split is a must-have by many but this parlour also serves sundaes, milk shakes, root beer floats, or classic cones. If you're really in the mood for dessert have your ice cream topped over one of their belgian waffles or french crêpes.

7. Dolce Gelato

Gelato, the Italian word for ice cream, has few differences but mainly known for being much denser because of the slow rate which it is churned at. Dolce Gelato is a European style Gelateria known for serving some of the city's best. With three locations and more than 60 flavours, from mint or something more decadent like tiramisu, bacio or penguino (white chocolate drizzled with Nutella) you're sure to cure your dessert craving.

8. Sweet Olenka's

Owner and confection maker Olenka learnt her trade in her grandfather’s chocolate factory in the Ukraine. She brought these delicious traditions to Toronto with her and has three European style chocolate stores. Olenka's known for her interesting and flavourful chocolate creations such as Wasbai Buddha (wasabi covered in milk chocolate) has increasingly gained popularity with dessert lovers for her ice cream bars; the salted caramel bar comes highly recommended by many. Olenka's homemade goodies also come in fair-trade and vegan options.

9. SOMA Chocolatemaker

In 2003 a small chocolate factory was created with the intention of finding new ways to create and enjoy chocolate. SOMA is now known for making some of the best chocolate in the city, so it's only natural that they would serve some of the best ice cream in the summer months. Both locations stock a rotating collection of 12 flavours that change depending on season and newly developed flavours. The distillery serves during the warm summer months; but if you still can't fight your craving in the cold King St. offers ice cream all year long!

10. Hibiscus

For those with a vegan diet, or dairy intolerances, we have not forgotten about you. Nestled away in Kensington market is Hibiscus café offering homemade vegan, soy free ice cream served in a cup or gluten free cone. These healthy alternatives are offered in delicious classics like Mocha or fresh summer flavours like strawberry basil.